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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Research Associate in Virginia is $61,368 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Medical Research Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Medical Research Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $70,672 | $5,889 | $1,359 | $34 |
| Average | $61,368 | $5,114 | $1,180 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,901 | $4,408 | $1,017 | $25 |
Susan B. Anthony List - Arlington, VA
Virginia Jobs - Charlottesville, VA
The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia - Charlottesville, VA
AbbVie - Richmond, VA
A Medical Research Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Medical Research Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Staff Nur... Level Medical Research Associate | $93,778 |
| Medical R... Level Medical Research Associate | $60,684 |
| Clinical ... Level Medical Research Associate | $70,220 |
| Scientist... Level Medical Research Associate | $99,724 |
| Clinical ... Level Medical Research Associate | $107,729 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Medical Research Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Medical Research Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Medical Research Associate positions in Pharmaceuticals or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Medical Research Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $73,642 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $67,505 | $32.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Medical Research Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $70,672 | $5,889 | $1,359 | $34 |
| Average | $61,368 | $5,114 | $1,180 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,901 | $4,408 | $1,017 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Medical Research Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Beaufort CRO
Virginia Beach, VA
Beaufort CRO | Virginia Beach, VA
Clinical Research Associate (CRA Contract). Are you an independent contract CRA passionate about advancing human health. Are you driven by a constant desir... more
7 Days Ago
Avery Healthcare Group Ltd.
Fairfax, VA
Avery Healthcare Group Ltd. | Fairfax, VA
Senior Clinical Research Associate 1. IQVIA is hiring Senior Clinical Research Associate 1 with experience in either oncology, cardiovascular, renal, metab... more
5 Days Ago
Virginia Department of Human Resource Management
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Department of Human Resource Management | Charlottesville, VA
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Hematology & OncologyThe Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, at the University of Virginia seeks mu... more
7 Days Ago
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Norfolk, VA
Eastern Virginia Medical School | Norfolk, VA
OverviewThe Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University (ODU) invites applications for a full-time Assistant or Associate Profes... more
7 Days Ago
Virginia Jobs
Harrisonburg, VA
Virginia Jobs | Harrisonburg, VA
Working Title: Associate Director of Research Security and International ComplianceState Role Title: N/APosition Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-t... more
7 Days Ago
Carpenter Co.
Richmond, VA
Carpenter Co. | Richmond, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Do you want to be part of a team that aspires to improve the quality of life for others. Are you interested in efficient ... more
7 Days Ago
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